Tahoe City, CA, March 28, 2011 – Active cruise specialist AdventureSmith Explorations, http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/the travel company that secures matches between adventure-seeking clients and a treasure trove of small expedition ships, announces a series of celebrity commemorative cruises in the Galapagos this April.

Four themed expeditions aboard M/Y Grace honor the occasion of the April 19, 1955, wedding of Hollywood royalty Grace Kelly to Monaco’s Prince Rainier. They then honeymooned on this 146-foot luxury yacht that was gifted to them by Aristotle Onassis.

Guests will be welcomed with champagne and Ecuadorian chocolates along with conservation lectures by scientists of the Darwin Foundation. Each guest will receive a photo book of the expedition covering the history of the vessel and details of the royal couple’s honeymoon.

“The M/Y Grace is widely considered one of the most romantic ships to cruise in the Galapagos,” claims Todd Smith, founder and president of AdventureSmith Explorations. “We have always recommended this ship to couples on honeymoon or celebrating a special anniversary. These special departures will make the experience even more special.”

The dates set aside for this special cruise are: April 2 – 9, April 9 – 16, April 16 – 23, and April 23 – 30, 2011. Per person, double rates begin at $6,795 for this luxury experience. AdventureSmith is currently offering $500 off per cabin on these special departures. See:

The Grace cruise packages begin and end in colonial Quito, Ecuador and include Quito hotel accommodations, airport/hotel transfers, round trip flights from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands and a half day tour of the Quito’s old town, a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site.

About the M/Y Grace

Although M/Y Grace looks as young and chic today as the princess who honeymooned aboard her in the 1950s, she is nonetheless what the French call “une femme d’un certain age” born in 1928, just before The Crash silenced the Roaring Twenties. She has surrendered none of her youth’s glamour to the scars and wrinkles of a gallant life, including a stint chasing submarines during World War II. Combat aged on her, but benefactors like Aristotle Onassis, John Issa, and Prince Rainier ensured she was kept in the style to which she was accustomed. Now, as the M/Y Grace, she plies the waters of the Galapagos Islands, once again the elegant hostess to carefree, adventurous, perfect parties.

About Adventure Smith Explorations

AdventureSmith Explorations is the global leader in small ship, adventure cruise vacations. Company founder Todd Smith helped pioneer the concept of wilderness cruising that combines the comforts of a small cruise ship with the adventure of sea kayaking, hiking and exploring remote wilderness areas ashore. The company matches guests with the top names in small ship cruising as well with intimate, boutique ships that may not make the radar of most travelers.

In moving through exotic natural environments and exploring vibrant native cultures seldom associated with more mainstream cruise itineraries, AdventureSmith Explorations dedicates its efforts to small footprint, sustainable travel and has launched a carbon free cruising initiative. Its off-the-beaten-path destinations include Alaska, Baja, Costa Rica, Belize, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Hawaii, Peru, the Arctic, Antarctica, and Australia.

The company’s mission is to give back to the individuals, communities and environments touched by AdventureSmith Explorations trips by connecting travelers with a network of grassroots and global nonprofit partners worldwide including the Alaska Natural History Association, Neotropica Foundation and Galapagos Conservancy. The company was named by National Geographic Adventure as one of “The Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” and is the recipient of Conde Nast Traveler’s prestigious “World Savers Award.”

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About The Author

Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows.
The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet.
Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.